Description
Purple black bean soup is a vibrant, nutrient-rich dish that offers a perfect blend of earthy, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors. Thanks to the natural anthocyanins in black beans, this soup takes on a striking deep-purple hue when cooked. It’s packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for a hearty vegetarian meal. Whether you prefer it creamy or chunky, this easy-to-make soup is perfect for cozy nights and meal prep!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups dried black beans (rinsed and soaked overnight)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp lime juice (plus more for garnish)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Additions:
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (for smoky heat)
- ½ cup coconut milk (for a creamy texture)
- 1–2 bay leaves (for depth of flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Black Beans:
- Soak the dried black beans in water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Drain and rinse before using.
- (Quick soak method: Boil the beans for 2 minutes, turn off the heat, and let them sit in hot water for 1 hour. Then drain and rinse.)
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic, diced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Build the Flavor:
- Sprinkle in cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, stirring well to coat the vegetables.
- Add the soaked and drained black beans to the pot.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in tomato paste and reduce heat. Simmer for 45-50 minutes until beans are tender.
- Adjust the Texture:
- For a chunky soup, use a potato masher to break down some beans while keeping others whole.
- For a creamy consistency, blend about 70% of the soup with an immersion blender.
- For a completely smooth texture, transfer to a blender in batches.
- Final Touches:
- Stir in fresh lime juice to enhance the color and flavor.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If needed, add more vegetable broth to adjust consistency.
- Serve & Garnish:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes (see below).
Notes
- To enhance the purple hue, add an extra squeeze of lime juice before serving.
- If using canned black beans, rinse and drain them well and reduce simmering time to 20-25 minutes.
- If your soup tastes bitter, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to balance the flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Cuisine: Vegetarian, Latin American-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 servings
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g